Alison Leivesley

Member Partner/Head of Family Department

Alison specialises in all aspects of the law relating to children. She has particular interest in domestic abuse, forced marriage, so called ‘honour’ based violence and female genital mutilation (FGM) issues. Alison regularly represents parents in complex care proceedings including those involving international elements and where non-accidental injury, serious physical abuse, or sexual abuse of the child has been alleged, and cases with parallel criminal proceedings. Alison has experience in acting in private and public law children cases where there are issues of potential radicalisation.

She regularly provides training in these areas for other professionals, including other lawyers, social workers, and advice agencies.

Area of specialism: Complex public and private children law; and domestic abuse, including forced marriage, so called ‘honour’ based violence and female genital mutilation (FGM)

Accreditations: The Law Society’s Advanced Family Law Panel in children law private and violence in the home; Resolution accredited specialist in domestic abuse, forced marriage and honour based violence, and children law – public and private; LAPG Certificate in Practice Management.

The department is listed in Chambers UK Guide Band 1 for Children: Public Law matters and Alison is listed as a notable practitioner. The 2018 Edition says Alison is a specialist children practitioner who has particular expertise in 'honour'-based violence, FGM and domestic abuse. Interviewees state: "She is totally committed to clients and to the community and to her work. She sees things in the round. She looks at the context of whatever is going on in the family and has a very good understanding. “Alison is listed as a key individual in 2017 Edition of Legal 500 described as her “attention to detail is second to none”.

Publications: Contributed to LNTV Family: Domestic Abuse - Injunctive Relief; Contributor to London Borough of Tower Hamlets Multi Agency guidelines on domestic violence and no recourse to public funds; Contributor to Female Genital Mutilation: Law and Practice by Zimran Samuel; editor for Lexis PSL on domestic abuse.

Thank you very much for helping my children and me in this depressing situation. You made it possible to find a new home for them to keep them safe. Thank you for your reliability understanding and patience.

This was a superb service.It was a very difficult time for me with complicated child care issues. You help with good positive support and advice and information. Thank you.